Purple Ice Climbing Gloves

For technical ice and mixed routes, pick light dexterity-focused gloves so you can swing tools and tie knots with minimal bulk. Thin liners or models like Black Diamond Powerstretch and Patagonia Capilene work well as base layers under a softshell for milder temps.

Medium insulated gloves in the 100–200g range are a good compromise for daytime climbing, heavy snow, or moderate cold because they balance warmth and dexterity. Consider mid-weight options such as the Black Diamond Verglas or an Ice Glove for added insulation plus some waterproofing.

Waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex or Showa Temres 282 help keep hands drier when paired with seam-taped construction and a durable outer layer. Those materials can be rated up to about 10,000mm waterproof with breathability up to 15,000g/m2/24hr, so add fleece liners for comfort on longer efforts.

Sizing generally runs true to brand charts, but measure with the thin liner you plan to wear so you maintain dexterity. Mitts should be sized a bit looser for insulation while gloves need a closer fit for tool work, and ergonomic cuts help preserve natural hand positioning for clipping and knot-tying.

Choose gloves with reinforced goat leather or synthetic palms and rough-grip outer fabrics for secure tool placements and abrasion resistance. Models like the Black Diamond Punisher and Terminator emphasize heavy-duty palms and tool-specific grips designed for steep ice.